KUSA - The Fourth of July can be a fun time for some but traumatic for others, especially veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Experts say the sounds, sights, and even the smell of firework displays can have an emotional impact on veterans with PTSD.
Tom Pritchard, a readjustment counselor with the Fort Collins Veteran's Center, says the sensory triggers of fireworks can cause veterans to react in ways similar to when they were at war.
"It can trigger someone into a fight or flight or even a freeze type of experience," Pritchard said.
Vietnam veteran Saxton Wiley says he's had similar experiences when it comes to fireworks and other loud noises.
"I was laying at home in bed and some car went by and backfired. I crawled out of bed and under the bed thinking it was incoming," Saxton said.
Wiley says it took years to conquer his reactions to loud noises but admits that from time to time, he still will jump at sudden noises.
Pritchard says there may not be a "cure" for the reactions that some vets with PTSD have to loud noises, but creating awareness might be the best way to ensure avoiding uncomfortable episodes.
"Communicating about things in general is probably a good place to start," he said.
Experts say if a veteran lives near you, don't shoot fireworks off at random days and times, especially late at night.
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(© 2015 KUSA)
